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How to Make Sense of Networking: 7 Tips from a Pro

 

Guest: Mark J. Carter
WHY.os: Make Sense – Challenge – Clarify

Mark J. Carter is a networking expert, social media strategist, and podcast host who went from being an introverted high school student to a successful networker. Mark’s experiences in sales, public speaking, and coaching have shaped his approach to building meaningful relationships in business. His book, Idea Climbing, provides actionable advice on how to create and sustain a strong network.

  • Learn how to build strong relationships and get valuable referrals.
  • Discover the benefits of niche networking events over large, generic ones.
  • Find out how to use social media to grow your professional network effectively.

Listen to the episode now to hear Mark’s straightforward tips and stories that can help you connect with others and succeed in your career.

Connect with Mark!

LinkedIn
Facebook
markjcarter.com

Watch the episode here


 

00:00 The Power of Making Sense
03:03 From Introvert to Expert Networker
09:11 Navigating the Transition from Sales to Coaching
19:33 The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships
21:23 Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Networking
23:20 Building Relationships and Getting Referrals
27:06 Memorable Interviews and Unexpected Opportunities
29:08 Favorite Interviews and Lessons Learned

 

From Introvert to Networking Pro: How Mark J. Carter Turned Relationships into Success

In this episode of the Beyond Your WHY Podcast, Dr. Gary Sanchez chats with Mark J. Carter—a guy who’s cracked the code on networking, even though he started out as the shy kid in high school. Mark’s story is a relatable one, filled with twists and turns that led him from sales to coaching, and eventually to becoming a social media strategist and podcast host. But what makes Mark special isn’t just his resume—it’s how he turned building relationships into a powerful tool for success. Whether you’re a seasoned networker or someone who still breaks a sweat at the thought of small talk, Mark’s insights offer something for everyone.

Now, why should you care about what Mark has to say? For one, he’s not just another “networking guru” throwing around buzzwords. He’s a guy who’s been in the trenches, made his fair share of mistakes, and figured out what really works when it comes to connecting with people. Plus, he’s got this knack for making complex situations understandable—a skill that comes in handy whether you’re at a networking event or trying to make sense of a chaotic work project. So, grab your coffee (or whatever helps you focus), and let’s dive into the good stuff.

The Power of Making Sense

Mark’s journey has been all about making sense of the chaos around him. He’s got what Dr. Gary Sanchez calls the “Make Sense” WHY, which is all about solving problems and breaking down complex situations into something everyone can understand. This is a skill that served him well as he transitioned from sales to coaching. In Mark’s words, “You help people get unstuck and move forward by helping them solve their problems.” It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about cutting through the noise and offering clarity. Whether you’re helping a client understand a product or trying to explain a new strategy to your team, this ability to make sense of things is a game-changer.

Building Relationships Like a Pro

Mark didn’t just wake up one day as a networking expert. It took years of trial and error, but he eventually figured out that the key to successful networking isn’t about how many business cards you can collect—it’s about building real, meaningful relationships. He talks about how niche networking events can be more valuable than large, generic ones because they allow you to connect with people who share your interests and goals. “At the end of the day, it was all about building relationships, getting referrals, and then it eventually started to be, then it became getting into the events,” Mark says. It’s a reminder that the quality of your connections often matters more than the quantity.

Social Media: Your Networking Secret Weapon

In today’s world, if you’re not leveraging social media for networking, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Mark emphasizes how powerful these platforms can be for expanding your professional network. But it’s not just about blasting out posts and hoping for the best. Mark’s approach is more strategic—he’s all about using social media to build relationships and get referrals. He shares tips on how to engage with your audience in a way that’s authentic and valuable. “I got good at getting right to the point of, okay, I need one actionable idea from every interview I go into,” he explains. This focus on value-driven content is what sets successful networkers apart from those just going through the motions.

Mark J. Carter’s story is a testament to the power of making sense of things, building meaningful relationships, and using the tools at your disposal—like social media—to create success. His journey from introvert to networking pro is proof that you don’t have to be born with a “networking gene” to make it in this world. Instead, it’s about understanding your WHY, focusing on the relationships that matter, and continually learning from each experience.

So, if you’re looking to improve your networking skills or just want to hear some solid advice from someone who’s been there, done that, this episode is a must-listen. Head over to the podcast to catch the full conversation and start applying these insights to your own life. Your network—and your career—will thank you.

About Mark J. Carter

Mark has always been curious about how successful people got where they are in life. He has been interviewing successful people for 25 years, posting interviews online for 12 of those years. Each interview is a “how to” interview which means as a viewer/reader/listener you get actionable advice about how to grow personally and professionally.

Mark’s other projects include events and marketing initiatives. He has collaborated with TED’s founder Richard Saul Wurman to create a world-class conference and helped with branding for the world’s largest chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). He has launched book tours and events for New York Times best-selling business authors, helping them share their big ideas with the world. Mark still enjoys interviewing people and posts many of the interviews on his YouTube station https://www.youtube.com/@markjcarter, his Idea Climbing podcast and Idea Climbing internet radio show.

Mark also serves as a podcast host for B2B organizations for entrepreneurs.

Mark’s interviews culminated in his recent book, “Idea Climbing: How to Create a Support System for Your Next Big Idea” www.IdeaClimbingBook.com

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